Steroid use is a controversial and complex topic that has garnered significant attention over the years. Commonly misused for muscle growth, enhanced performance, or physical appearance, anabolic steroids are synthetic variants of the hormone testosterone. However, behind their appeal lies a range of serious side effects that impact both the mind and body.

This article explores everything you need to know about anabolic steroids, their misuse, and the potentially dangerous effects they can have.

What Are Steroids?

Anabolic steroids are lab-created compounds that mimic the effects of testosterone, a naturally occurring hormone in the human body. While some steroids can be prescribed legally for medical conditions such as delayed puberty or tissue wasting from diseases like AIDS, their misuse often stems from desires to increase muscle mass or improve athletic performance.

Common types of anabolic steroids include testosterone, trenbolone, nandrolone, stanozolol, oxandrolone, and methandrostenolone. Moreover, these substances are frequently encountered by law enforcement and, as a result, are strictly regulated in countries like the United States.

Common Street Names

Due to their widespread illegal use, steroids go by many street names, including:

• Juice
• Pumpers
• Roids
• Stackers

How Are They Used?

Misuse of steroids often involves doses that are 10 to 100 times higher than those prescribed for medical purposes. People may ingest it orally, inject them directly into muscles, or even apply them through gels, creams, and patches.

One common practice among users is “stacking”––taking two or more steroids simultaneously, often combined in cycles of several weeks. People mistakenly believe this leads to better results and minimizes the harmful side effects.

Effects on the Mind

While steroids may influence physical performance, their impact on mental health is equally significant and often overlooked.

• Mood Swings: Users can experience rapid, extreme mood changes.
• Roid Rage: Heightened aggression and hostility, sometimes leading to violent outbursts.
• Impaired Judgement: Compromised decision-making abilities can lead to risky behaviours.
• Addiction: Chronic steroid misuse can result in psychological dependence.

Stopping steroid use abruptly may cause individuals to face severe depression, which can, in some cases, lead to suicidal behavior.

Steroids and the Risk of Addiction

Prolonged misuse of steroids may alter the brain’s chemistry, thereby making it difficult for users to function without the drug. Consequently, this psychological dependency drives repeated use and, in turn, creates a vicious cycle.

Effects on the Body

The physical side effects of steroids depend on factors like age, sex, dosage, and duration of use. They can range from minor inconveniences to life-altering complications.

Adolescents

• Stunted growth
• Early sexual development in boys
• Permanent physical changes in girls, including a deeper voice and male-pattern baldness

Effects on Men

• Reduced sperm count
• Shrinkage of testicles
• Enlarged breast tissue
• Higher risk of prostate cancer

Women

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Increased body and facial hair growth
• Permanent deepening of the voice
• Clitoral enlargement

General Health Risks

For both men and women, steroid misuse can lead to several other dangers, including:

• Heart Issues: High cholesterol levels can increase the risk of coronary artery disease and heart attacks.
• Liver Damage: Oral steroids, in particular, can have toxic effects on the liver.
• Skin Problems: Acne and fluid retention are common side effects.
• Risk of Infection: Injecting steroids with non-sterile equipment can result in bacterial infections or the transmission of diseases like HIV and hepatitis.

Can You Overdose on Steroids?

Unlike substances like opioids, anabolic steroids are not typically associated with overdoses. However, the long-term misuse of these substances still results in a range of life-threatening health issues that develop over time.

Similar Substances to Steroids

Steroid-like substances that produce similar effects include human growth hormone (HGH), clenbuterol, gonadotropins, and erythropoietin. These substances are also misused for performance enhancement and pose their own health risks.

The Legal Status in the United States

Anabolic steroids are classified as Schedule III controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act. This means they are only available through a doctor’s prescription for legitimate medical reasons, such as treating testosterone deficiencies, delayed puberty, or specific conditions like breast cancer and anaemia.

Authorities strictly prohibit the illicit use of steroids, which can lead to significant legal consequences.

The Hidden Costs of Steroid Misuse

While steroids may appear to offer quick results for athletes or bodybuilders, the risks far outweigh the rewards. The long-term impact on both mental and physical health, combined with the potential for addiction, paints a clear picture of the dangers of misuse.

Before considering steroid use, remember that strength and performance come at a high cost when achieved unnaturally. Always prioritise your mental and physical wellbeing.

Source: Campus Drug Prevention